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for a
new car?
Ex-Tasmanian Government vehicles,
most about two years old with 40,000km
RACT Roadworthy Inspection with each
vehicle (includes pre-registration certificate)
Viewings and fixed price on
Saturdays from 9am-2pm
or Mondays from 8am
Auctions every
Tuesday at 11am
56 Sunderland Street,
Derwent Park
6548C
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confidence
at Pickles
Auctions
www.ract.com.au
Life on the move
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai has embarked on a busy launch
year with the release of an all-new
Elantra. Dubbed the ‘big small car’ by
Hyundai it certainly pushes the boundaries
of the small car category. Aimed squarely at
market leaders Mazda3 and Holden Cruze,
Elantra will take it to them in all respects.
Styling is a smaller version of the classy
I45, continuing Hyundai’s ‘fluid sculpture’
theme. The interior follows on with a
modern but ergonomically-functional
design. Dual-zone climate control is
standard from the mid-spec Elite, full iPod
and Bluetooth connectivity is available
across the range as is cruise control. The
entr y-level Active is available with a six-
speed manual as standard and the option
of a six-speed auto. The Elite and premium
models come standard with the auto.
Powered by a free-revving 1.8 litre engine
producing 110kW and 178Nm, the power-
plant does a more-than-adequate job in
propelling the Elantra and returns an
official combined-cycle economy figure of
6.6L/100km in the entry level manual, and
7.1L /100km in the auto. Passengers are
well-insulated from engine noise until
higher up the rev range – in fact at idle, it
was almost silent and vibration-free from
the driver’s seat.
After some less-than-favourable feedback
on other recent releases, I’m pleased to say
the Australian specification suspension
offers a firm yet compliant ride, along with
direct and well-weighted electro-
mechanical steering.
Elantra offers a full range of safety features
including a new safety acrony m (yes
another one), Vehicle Stability Management.
VSM integrates all the active safety systems
in the vehicle, including the Motor Dr iven
Power steering (MDPS). VSM intervenes
alongside ESC to help maintain vehicle
control by applying a variable input to
steering weight. ANC AP has awarded a
5-star crash rating.
With a five-year unlimited kilometre
warranty, an impressive range of standard
features, stylish modern looks, high-level
safety and a starting price of $20,990 (plus
on-roads), Elantra should make your
shor tlist if you’re looking for that ‘ bigger
small car’.
VW Golf Bluemotion
VW has added another model to the
Golf range. This time it’s the ultra-
efficient Bluemotion. Along with their
usual quality offerings, this model has all
the technology VW could muster to make
it as environmentally-fr iendly and fuel-
efficient as possible.
A 77kW 1.6 turbo diesel engine coupled to
a five-speed manual-only transmission,
stop-start technology, lower ride height,
improved aerodynamics, low rolling
resistance tyres, gear shift indicator and
wider gear ratios – these all combine to
produce an amazing 3.8L/100km. Add to
that standard features like hill-start assist,
daytime running lights, seven airbags, tyre
pressure monitoring, air conditioning and
cr uise control at $28,990 (plus on roads)
and this is a ser ious alter native to hybrid
vehicles.
On the road it drives just like any other
Golf – I’d even say the lower ride-height
enhances handling w ithout compromising
r ide quality. One additional point worth
mentioning is that it only comes with a
‘tyre mobility kit’ rather than a spare tyre.
VW call this car ‘enviro-nor mal’ rather
than ‘enviro-mental’ – and I tend to agree.
August / September 2011 35